Numbers

The family woke up bright and early! It was the day of our BIG fun run! This was a local event in Provo canyon in which the entire family could participate. Niel and I enjoy running 5K's! It is a great way to stay in shape. Plus, it is really fun.
Niel, Conner and I signed up for the 5K. Stockton and Garrett signed up for 1/2 mile and Zander signed up for the 1/4 mile. Everyone was super excited as we woke up extra early.... everyone except for Stockton. He was dragging his feet, moving slower then usual, and had his head hang low. This is fairly unusual for Stocks. Most of the time he is the anxious one to get out and try something new. Although waking up early for exercise isn't his most favorite way to spend sleeping hours. I asked him, "What is wrong Stocks?"

"My least favorite number is 5 and I don't like the letter K!"

What a goof. He was still a good sport about it. Once he found out he got a medal and a prize for participating, he gave it his full Stockton effort! I was proud of him for crossing the finish line.

Too Old!

Ever since I can remember, I have called the boys "sweetie". Most every day, I say "I love you" which is followed by a quick kiss. I have always enjoyed giving my boys these little signs of affection, and I always thought they appreciated it as well.

Conner has informed me, he is simply too old for these kinds of things....

I dropped Conner and his friends off for football practice the other day. As he was getting out of the car I said, "I love you sweetie! Have a great practice!" Conner just gave me this embarrassed look and rolled his eyes. Then, when I would have normally given him a quick kiss on the lips... he pushed his cheek towards me. HIS CHEEK! I figured it out pretty quickly, rather then embarrass him in front of his friends, I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and he jumped out of the car.

I sat there in the car for a little while in complete shock. Has Conner all ready become too old for his mother's sweet nothings? WOW! Where has the time gone? I guess he is 11 years old and I guess it "isn't cool" for a mom to still be calling her mature, football tough son "sweetie".

It has been an incredible journey to watch Conner grown from baby, to little boy, to big boy and then to a young man. But honestly, I have taken for granite those little kisses and sweet words back, "I love you too Mom!"

Later that night when I was tucking him into bed he said, "Mom, could you not kiss me or call me sweetie in front of my friends? Maybe you could just call me Bud or Kiddo, or something like that?" I hesitated for a second and then he said, "But I still love you Mom. I will always love you. I just don't want you to say it in front of my friends.... right before football!"

My little Conner is growing up!!! I am pleased with the man he is becoming, and I will forever miss the little boy he once was.